Responsibility for upbringing includes protection and care.
The Civil Code expressly protects children against physical punishment. A blow therefore does not become permissible because an adult calls it “discipline” or a response to bad behaviour. Children do not have to earn this protection through obedience.
The question asks about a possible legal consequence. “Can be punished” means that criminal law may apply. It does not mean this short exam question determines a particular person’s responsibility, the precise offence or a specific punishment.
The other three answers
None of the other three statements removes the child’s rights.
it's nobody's business.
“Nobody’s business” would exclude public protection and legal responsibility. That is precisely what is wrong: violence against a child can have legal consequences.
it's only the family's business.
The law also applies within families. Being related does not make physical punishment a permissible private matter.
you cannot be punished for it.
This statement rules out all criminal liability. Physical mistreatment can, however, constitute bodily harm.
Protection from violence is broader than one criminal provision.
In addition to physical punishment, section 1631 of the Civil Code covers emotional harm and degrading treatment. The exam question about hitting therefore addresses only part of this protection.
Support with parenting problems and intervention when a child’s welfare is endangered are different youth welfare functions. The help or protective measure required depends on the actual situation.
Section 1631 · Protection from violence · Civil Code ↗Hitting a child: not legally permitted, punishment possible.
Notice the word “can”. The correct answer identifies a possible legal consequence, not an automatic punishment.
Three words for this question
- die körperliche Bestrafungphysical punishment
- Physical violence presented as a disciplinary measure.
- die Körperverletzungbodily harm
- A criminal offence covering, among other things, physical mistreatment.
- die Erziehungsberatungparenting counselling
- Professional support with questions and difficulties in family life.